How to Hit Spares

Posted by Tenpin at 4.00pm on 20 March 2014

We can't all be pro-bowlers and chances are you
won't be throwing strikes every time you bowl. So we've
pulled together a few pointers to help you get that oh-so-elusive
spare and bump up your score a little.

A little to The Right?

Take a look at what's left on the lane. Are the remaining pins
on the left or the right? The rule of thumb is to stand on the
opposite side to the pins that are still standing. So if you have
spare pins on the left then you'll need to move yourself a little
to the right for your second shot. Equally, if there are spare pins
on the right, you'll need to move a little to the left. If
the only pin that's left standing is the one on the very right or
the very left, then you'll need to stand all the way over on the
opposite side.

Alternatively, you may find that there are still pins left in
the middle. In this case you should stay in the centre and
bowl in the same manner as you did on the first shot.

Aiming for Gold

Next it's time to adjust your aim. Look at the arrows on
the floor in front of you and the arrows on the alley. They
are there to help guide your aim. You'll need to line your
shot up with both the dots and the arrows to hit the pins you are
aiming for. Use these markers as you bowl and it should
increase your chances of getting a spare.

Of course, practice makes perfect, so don't expect to get it
right first time. Learn how your arm moves and watch where
the bowling ball is going each time then adjust your aim and
placement accordingly.

If you're feeling adventurous you could even try curving the
bowling ball, check out our previous blog (from the 10 Sept) to
find out how.

Happy Bowling.

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